HIMSS 2026: Big themes and burning questions

Las Vegas - The HIMSS 2026 conference may be coming to one of America’s famed playgrounds, but many healthcare leaders today are facing serious problems.

The HIMSS 2026 Global Health Conference & Exhibition runs today through Thursday in Las Vegas, and we’re here for the big event.

More than 25,000 healthcare leaders have registered for the conference, with nearly one-third coming from the C-suite. Almost three out of four in attendance are described by HIMSS as decision makers or influencers in the industry.

The conference comes at a time of increased enthusiasm for AI, even as there is growing uncertainty over federal policy and financial challenges.

Hal Wolf, president and CEO of HIMSS, told Chief Healthcare Executive® in an interview ahead of the conference that he’s very excited about the upcoming discussions of digital health and the challenges facing the industry.

“I think you're going to see the conversations really taking a gripping view of the transformation that's occurring across the global health ecosystem,” Wolf says.

Here’s a roundup of some of the key questions and themes we’ll be exploring at HIMSS. It’s not an exhaustive list, and given the scope of the event, there are always unexpected insights and new questions that emerge. But here’s a starting point.

• Get more: See our conversation with HIMSS CEO Hal Wolf in the latest episode of Changes, a new series from Chief Healthcare Executive

AI adoption

It’s a given that AI will be the lead story at HIMSS, but the nature of that story is worthy of attention.

What are systems using AI to tackle? Where are they expanding the use of AI, and where are they waiting a bit?

Most health systems are starting to use AI in some ways, including streamlining administrative work. More systems are also beginning to use AI-powered tools to record and summarize patient visits. And some hospitals and systems are using AI to assist with patient care, though many are showing some reluctance of integrating AI too quickly into patient care.

Wolf says the conversations around AI are maturing, and hospitals are less apt to add an AI solution simply to say they’ve got it in the toolkit.

“If you go back three years, people really didn't know what they could do with it, and we saw some of the early adopters making some significant investments and efforts and their impact on operations,” Wolf says. “But we're now beginning to see not only that, but clinical decision support and then again, where can it relieve those pressures? So I think it's very real, and the investments are very strategic.”

Taking more temperatures

Plenty of hospitals and health systems are facing financial stress, and healthcare executives say they expect more problems as Medicaid cuts take effect in the coming years.

Health systems are bracing for a reduction of about $1 trillion in Medicaid spending over the next decade, with millions expected to lose coverage. Millions more are projected to lose coverage due to the expiration of tax credits supporting the Affordable Care Act, leading to higher premiums that may make coverage too expensive.

At health conferences over the last year, the mood has been more measured. I’m sure plenty of people will enjoy the high-tech offerings, fascinating conversations, and the fun that Vegas offers. But I’m eager to take the temperature of healthcare leaders to see how much optimism they exude, and their level of concern for the future.

Hearing from Dr. Oz

Given the concerns of hospital leaders about federal health policy, I’m anxious to hear the perspective of Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Oz is the keynote speaker Thursday morning.

Oz and CMS have been getting some credit for healthcare leaders for embracing digital tools and focusing on using technology to improve the delivery of care for patients.

“They're working very hard to figure out how to use digital tools in order to extend care, extend access quality,” Wolf says. “They're counting on some of those investments to really pay off.”

Wolf will be participating in the discussion with Oz Thursday morning.

While some say they welcome CMS’ focus on tech, health leaders also say the reduction of support for Medicaid means more Americans won’t have access to doctors, and that will lead to more people ending up in hospitals with more advanced diseases that could’ve been treated earlier.

Cybersecurity

HIMSS typically features important discussions on cybersecurity in the healthcare industry, and this year’s event looks to be no exception.

Scores of hospitals and health systems have been the victims of ransomware attacks. Many are still stinging from the Change Healthcare cyberattack that affected more than 190 million Americans, along with most of the nation’s hospitals.

More health systems are taking strides in bolstering their defenses, but Wolf says it’s an area that could use more attention. Cybersecurity leaders in the healthcare industry have also said they would welcome more help from the federal government in protecting systems.

Telehealth

There’s been some good news for hospitals and other providers when it comes to virtual care. The White House and Congress agreed to extend federal approvals for telehealth programs for two years, and they also allowed waivers for hospital-at-home programs to continue into 2030.

Hospitals and telehealth providers have been imploring the government for multi-year extensions, so they could maintain access for patients and so they could have some predictability in their business plans.

There’s enthusiasm that the approvals could lead to the expansion of home hospital programs, and I’m looking forward to seeing more about that topic at HIMSS.

Reaching the vulnerable

HIMSS usually features plenty of conversations about the need to close disparities in access to care and in outcomes. I’m eager to hear more on this topic at HIMSS.

In past years at HIMSS, I’ve heard from leaders who are restless to focus more on helping those who need it most. There’s also growing concerns about gaps as more health systems (with deeper pockets) invest more deeply in AI as other hospitals struggle to keep the doors open.